Are Vietnam era veterans considered Vietnam veterans?

However, the more common usage distinguishes between those who served “in country” and those who did not serve in Vietnam by referring to the “in country” veterans as “Vietnam veterans” and the others as “Vietnam-era veterans”. The U.S. government officially refers to all as “Vietnam-era veterans“.

Who is eligible to wear the Vietnam Service Medal?

To be eligible service members must have completed 30 consecutive days or 60 non-consecutive days of service relating to direct support of ground operations or maritime service directly aiding military operations within specific regions of the Republic of Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and Thailand between the dates of …

Is there a Vietnam era service ribbon?

The Vietnam Service Medal is a military award of the United States Armed Forces established on 8 July 1965 by order of President Lyndon B. Johnson. The medal is awarded to recognize service during the Vietnam War by all members of the U.S. Armed Forces provided they meet the award requirements.

What is the difference between the Vietnam Service Medal and the Vietnam Campaign Medal?

The Vietnam Service Medal is a U.S. medal introduced during the War. It was authorized by an executive order in 1965. The Republic of Vietnam Campaign medal is what is known as a foreign award, a military decoration or medal that is awarded to American troops who aided that country in a conflict.

How do you get a Vietnam Service Medal?

Individuals applying for the award must mail a completed Application for State Medals or a similar request in writing along with a copy of the service members WD Form 53 or DD Form 214 (Separation from Active Duty) attesting to the fact that an Honorable Discharge was granted.

Can Vietnam era veterans join the VFW?

They say many Vietnam veterans were not recognized because the VFW was not sanctioned to accept them. The U.S. Congress officially recognized Vietnam veterans as veterans of a foreign war in 1966. … The national VFW isn’t among them.

What does the star on a Vietnam Service Medal mean?

A Silver Service Star is added to the ribbon to denote the 5th, 10th, etc. (4) Serve on temporary duty for 30 consecutive days or 60 nonconsecutive days in Vietnam or contiguous areas, except that the time limit may be waived for personnel participating in actual combat operations.

Do Vietnam vets get more Social Security?

In general, Vietnam veterans received more money from Social Security and retirement plans than nonveterans; nonveterans had more earnings and more investment income.

What does Bronze Star on Vietnam Service Medal mean?

The Bronze Star is awarded for meritorious service or acts of valor while serving in combat operations. The Bronze Star is the fourth-highest combat award of the U.S. Armed Forces and the ninth-highest military award (including combat and non-combat) in order of precedence of U.S. Military decorations.

How do you find out what medals A veteran was awarded?

The general public may also purchase a copy of the veteran’s OMPF to determine the awards due and obtain the medals from a commercial source. Individuals can request information on military service medals, decorations and awards online: https://www.archives.gov/personnel-records-center/awards-and-decorations.

What medals can a Vietnam era veteran wear?

Several decorations (Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star Medal, Air Medal, Commendation Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal) may be awarded for valor, or for merit. Awards for valor recognize bravery in action against an enemy and have an attached “V” device valor device. Awards for merit recognize service.

Who can wear the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry?

Under DA GO 43 1970 the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry was awarded to all military personnel of all branches who served in-country Vietnam between 1 MAR 1961 and 28 MAR 1973 and to U.S. Army Vietnam and its subordinate units for the period 20 JUL 1965 to 28 MAR 1973.

How do I get a medal added to my dd214?

Requests for replacement medals should be submitted on Standard Form 180, “Request Pertaining to Military Records,” which may be obtained at VA offices or the Internet at www.va.gov/vaforms/.

What is considered a decorated veteran?

A decorated war veteran has received medals, awards, and honors from the military. Decorated soldiers often wear their medals on their uniforms. The Latin root of decorated is decus, “an ornament.”

Is there an honorable discharge medal?

This commemorative medal and ribbon honors all of those individuals of the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, Coast Guard and Merchant Marines who have earned their Honorable Discharge. …

What is a DD 149?

If you believe you are the victim of an error or injustice which affects your military record, you may apply for a correction of military records by completing and submitting a DD Form 149, Application for correction of military record.

How do I update my dd214 after discharge?

Correction to Veterans Military Records. If you are in need of a correction to your Certificate of Release of Discharge from Active Duty (DD Form 214), you must submit a written request for a correction (DD Form 215) and include a copy of your DD Form 214.

What are the top 10 military medals?

The military medals discussed here are decorations, not awards.
  • The Medal of Honor. The Medal of Honor is the highest military honor presented for valor. …
  • The Distinguished Service Cross, the Navy Cross and the Air Force Cross. …
  • Distinguished Flying Cross. …
  • The Bronze Star. …
  • The Purple Heart.

Can you erase your military records?

While every situation is unique, and each veteran will have their own circumstances for wanting to change or delete information in their military record, there are several common requests. … All branches have a board for correction for military records (BCMR) and all use the DD Form 149.

What is the difference between a DD214 and a DD 256?

Like the DD214, the NGB22 provides all of the pertinent information about an individual’s military career, including the nature of discharge. A DD256, on the other hand, is basically just a statement confirming the individual served and was discharged under honorable conditions.